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A long hike between a ditch and a river
Thanks to Baron Driver for showing me how to access this area. This is a single stage cache with a substantial hike to the final. How can you find a place that requires a 3 mile round trip in the city? Consider that the Arkansas River blocks access from the west and the Big Ditch blocks access from the east. K-96 blocks access from the north; the only access is from the southeast.
You got it by now that the area is isolated. It is popular for ATV's and dirt bikes. At the recommended entrance there is a sign that says no vehicles allowed. Perhaps the motorized vehicles have another access point far to the north. The Badd One stepped over the cable and began walking.
First, the best parking spot is near 25th street, perhaps at N37 43.811 W97 22.676. This adds a little to the hike, but is much safer since this will take well over an hour. Follow 25th street up and over I-235 and turn southwest toward the "Big Ditch." You will see the cable across the road. Follow the road downhill to a sand-bar crossing of the Big Ditch at N37 43.821 W97 23.084. Although this adds over a quarter of a mile to the trip, it keeps your feet dry and you get to see where the Big Ditch joins the River. If water is running in the Big Ditch be careful. Could be quicksand. If the Big Ditch is running very fast and deep, don't even consider continuing; you'll be dealing with lots of mud and bigger safety issues.
Once across the Big Ditch, head for the cache. It will be easier to follow the ATV trails, it may be more pleasant to stay in the shade near the river when the trails split.
After following the trails for a mile, I began looking for a hiding spot. On the way, you may see waterfowl, deer, snakes and lizards in a mixture of grassland and riparian woodlands. There is a lot of walking on sand and sandy trails but once you reach the shaded part of the trail, the worst is behind you.
The final is an ammo box with a lot of items to trade. I have included a geo-caching T-shirt (XL) in the original packaging as a first to find prize. There are also Hot Wheels (due to the ATV trails in the area), a deck of Sudoku cards, silver coins, West Virginia Quarters, some lizards (due to the sandy slopes), a waterproof matchbox for hiding micros, and other items.
The terrain is open enough to run to the cache, only the last 80 feet or so are off-trail in grassland. Cache is appropriate for older children with adequate endurance. If you take a small child along, consider how far you want to carry them. In warm weather, you may want to consider carrying water as well.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Sbex bs gerr, va prqne pyhzc